Activity Level:

Terrain:

Cost:

Land Cost (current year):
US $2550
Includes 6B/2L/5D

Single Supplement:
US $630

Bike Rental:
US $180

Tuscany, Yoga & Biking

"...regenerate the mind, body and spirit..."

Enjoy yoga and cycling? We do too, and have created an inspiring trip through the Tuscany countryside taking in Siena, Castellina in Chianti, Sovicille, Asciano and Pienza, each a delightful village. This journey will regenerate your mind, body and spirit; combine daily yoga sessions with invigorating cycling, pleasant walks and cultural interactions that will blend together to provide a truly memorable journey.

Trip Highlights:

Daily yoga sessions

Cycling routes with options for moderate or more invigorating rides

Enjoy spas for healing hydrotherapy and massage (additional)

Learn ceramics at the Museo della Terracotta in Petroio

Contemplate/meditate at the hermitage Sant'Anna in Camprena

Sample wines from winemakers that have been doing so for hundreds of years

Itinerary

Getting there :
Siena:
Most participants will arrive via Rome or Florence and spend the evening before our ‘trip rendezvous’ in Siena .

DAYS 1+2:Castellina-in-Chianti - From Siena we cycle north through fields and vineyards. After lunch in a tiny village, we’ll visit Radda on our way to Castellina; yoga will be offered, followed by hydrotherapy massage and a casual dinner at Il Fondaccio where a mouth-watering table of appetizers will greet you. On our second day we will begin with a yoga session followed by a swim and then cycle to Castle Meleto for a tour of this medieval castello. Back in Castellina, we taste wine at an enoteca followed by dinner. Our hotel in Castellina is a charming 3-star hotel in the center of this medieval town.

DAY 3:Sovicille - Our route takes us to Monterrigioni; with its perfectly preserved walls and cobbled streets; you will find the charm immediate. Afterwards, continue with an invigorating climb and then lunch before descending to our hotel, a former monastery. Located in the countryside with a pool and surrounded by an extensive park, we will have an ideal setting for early afternoon yoga. Early evening, we will prepare a Tuscan meal here, learning to make pasta by hand.

DAY 4: Asciano - After yoga, we begin cycling with a gentle descent and then rolling hills west towards Monteroni d'Arbia for lunch. Along the way, you may have the chance to visit an eccentric artist who often invites us to his home - a castle filled with museum-class art. The day finishes with a ride (or shuttle) to the extrordinary Monastery Monte Oliveto Maggiore, where a local guide describes frescoes here, painted by Signorelli and Sodoma in the 16th century.

DAYS 5+6: Pienza - Yoga to start and then west through the Crete region; in Petroio, we stop at the Museo Della Terracotta and learn about ceramics which have been made in this region for centuries. In Sant'Anna in Camprena, we will visit a fortified 14th century hermitage (you may recognize it from scenes in the movie The English Patient). Arriving to Pienza, you will delight in this true Renaissance place. Next day we’ll ride to Montepulciano and Monticchiello riding through a ‘photographers’s paradise’. Our hotel is quietly situated 150 meters from the central plaza and has large comfortable rooms and a casualness that you will enjoy. We’ll complement our final evening meal with bottles of the local wines and toast our time together in Tuscany. Viva dolce!

DAY 7 : Transfer to Chiusi for trains onward.

FAQ:

What type of yoga is offered and do I need experience?

Hatha yoga will be offered daily and all levels welcome. Yoga sessions will be 1h-1h15 in length; some will be done indoors and some outside in suitable settings and there will either be a morning or apres cycling class each day of the trip. If you wish to bring your yoga mat, then you can do so, but otherwise, we will provide.

What if I wish to practice yoga daily but my partner doesn’t?

The yoga is optional and if one partner prefers to ‘sleep in’ or depart early on bike, that is fine. Our morning sessions will be from 7h30-8h15 and we will depart on bikes around 9h15. Afternoon classes are anticipated to be from 17:30-18h15, allowing time to relax before dinner (typically at 19h30).

Are there any options for walking or hiking?

We do have walking/hiking routes in this region and if you prefer to walk on certain days, this is possible.

What's Included

Weather

Ride Info

Map

Map of the Area

Ride Info

Siena Weather

What's Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides and support vehicle

6 nights lodging

All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and all dinners but 1

Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums

Cooking course with guest chef

Detailed map and route instructions

All baggage transportation

All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities)

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247